It's A Railroad Lawsuit Mds Success Story You'll Never Believe
Railroad Lawsuits and Asthma
Rail workers are often exposed to toxic fumes and chemicals such as asbestos and silica. These exposures can cause respiratory diseases like asthma.
Fortunately, victims can recover compensation under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). A good railroad cancer lawsuit class action lawsuit against union pacific railroad asthma lawyer can aid. Read on for some examples of verdicts that have won and settlements.
Diesel Exhaust
Since trains are powered by diesel fuel, the majority of railroad workers are exposed range of diesel fumes throughout the day. The fumes consist of soot particles and toxic chemicals. The exposure to these fumes can lead to the development of asthma and other lung diseases.
For decades, railroads have been aware of the dangers associated with diesel exhaust. Many companies haven’t taken the proper precautions to protect their workers. In the end, a few railroad workers have developed respiratory illnesses that are a major cause of death.
Excessive exposure to diesel fumes when combined with other workplace hazards such asbestos, creosote and silica, can lead to life-changing lung conditions, such as asthma. These conditions can prevent railroad workers from returning to work and can affect the quality of their lives.
In one case our attorneys successfully represented the defense of a FELA lawsuit brought by a locomotive engineer who claimed he contracted leukemia, and other cancers due to his exposure to toxic chemicals and diesel fumes while working on railroad equipment. The court granted summary judgement for the railroads in dispute. It decided that Plaintiff had not conducted an appropriate search for information regarding his illness when he was diagnosed and that the claims he made are time-barred.
Dust
railroad workers Cancer Lawsuit workers are exposed to various kinds of dust, such as silica from coal dust, ballast, and chemical fuels or petroleum. These harmful substances can be harmful to the health of workers and can lead to respiratory diseases like asthma.
Our FELA lawyer has helped many people claim compensation for their exposure. Fortunately, FELA allows workers who have been diagnosed with certain diseases to demand accountability from their employers for failing to protect workers from hazardous work environments.
A Montana jury, for example has awarded $3.7 Million to a former engineer of the railroad who suffered from pulmonary fibroidsis. It is a chronic lung condition caused by scarring in the lung tissue. In his FELA claim, the defendant claimed that inhaling diesel fumes hundreds, or even thousands of times, contributed to the onset and the progression of his lung condition. Jurors were not persuaded by the testimony of defense experts that the engineer’s lung disease must have a different source.
Similar to that, Friends of the Columbia Gorge and Sierra Club successfully sued BNSF railroad over its coal trains. Each time a train crosses the Gorge it pollutes habitats that are sensitive for plants and wildlife, wetlands, tributary rivers, and the Columbia River. As a result of this lawsuit, BNSF will stop transporting coal through the Gorge as well as other places.
Asbestos
Railroad workers have long been exposed to hazardous chemicals. Other toxic substances remain in the workplace even when asbestos has been removed. Chemical solvents, for instance are recognized to cause asthma and other respiratory illnesses. This is the reason railroad workers may file lawsuits to recover damages from the companies that hired them.
In one instance the jury found that a 61-year-old engineer in the field was suffering from diesel asthma due to his railroad class action lawsuit work. This illness caused him to be placed on medical leave and lost wages. He also required two back surgeries, including a multi-level lumbar spinal fusion all of which resulted in significant medical expenses.
He claimed that he was constantly exposed to diesel exhaust fumes as well as strong odors. He also stated that his body was constantly exposed silica particles chemical compounds, spray paints and black smoke. The chest tightened up and his throat hurt. He also had difficulty swallowing. He also suffered from chronic allergies and bronchitis.
The railroads successfully argued the release of the plaintiff from 1996 should block the new class action lawsuit against railroads as he knew the risk of exposure to asbestos. Hughes Law Offices argued that the statute should be enacted until the plaintiff is diagnosed with cancer in order to give him time to seek medical attention and determine if the illness is connected to his job.
Poor Ventilation
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with lung cancer, lung diseases, Railroad workers Cancer lawsuit mesothelioma or any other form of cancer that could be linked to working in the railroad industry, you might be able to file a lawsuit under FELA against the corporation who employed you. FELA lawsuits may provide compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact a Houston FELA attorney today to discuss your case.
A jury awarded a former Conrail engineer $2.6 million in the course of his occupational illness trial after finding that the retiree’s asthma-related illness was the result of his frequent exposure to diesel exhaust fumes during working with locomotives at rail yards. The lawyers representing the plaintiffs claimed that railroads failed to prevent exposure to diesel exhaust by not installing adequate ventilation in the cabs of locomotives.
In addition to the diesel fumes that railroad workers breathe, they also often come into contact with toxic chemicals and other harmful substances during their jobs. Asbestos, benzene, as well as other carcinogens are commonly found in railroad maintenance and construction materials. These toxic substances can cause many types of cancers and serious health conditions including asthma.
If you suffer from asthma that arose due to your work on the railroad, or when you have a loved one who has been diagnosed with cancer that could be linked to the railroad industry, an Houston FELA lawyer can help you hold your employer accountable for their negligence. Contacting a skilled attorney right away can help you maximize your chances of receiving the financial compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering.